“Two wicks that inmates made from toilet paper were discovered burning and one was observed placed in return air duct work,” a report by Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove states. “Video evidence indicate the wicks were (pushed) inside the vent was possibly the source of smoke going through the facility.”

The report does not name the inmates who allegedly made the wicks. Breedlove said charges have not formally been filed at this time.

Lightning reportedly struck the building, interrupting the computer and surveillance systems on July 6, and all air conditioning systems were shut down after jail administrator J.J. Hannah reported “considerable smoke” in the facility.

Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove said authorities believe "something electrical" caused smoke to come out of the vents in the Cheatham County Jail, prompting officials to move at least 140 inmates to the attached courthouse Friday evening.

Kelly Fisher, USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

“There was an acrid mechanical odor emanating from the return duct in A-pod and spreading to the other dorms,” the report states. At least 140 inmates were moved to the General Sessions and Circuit Court Room in the adjoining building. Another group of inmates was held in outdoor recreation, where some smoke was exhausted by fans that were set up in the first hour.

EMS personnel examined each inmate, and one was transported for an eye issue.

“The security risk was elevated as inmates became increasingly agitated,” the report states. “Several were shouting at the officers, sheriff, and each other. Inmates were not secured from any locked doors and had the advantage of overpowering the few officers guarding them. Sheriff Breedlove called the Tennessee Highway Patrol and four troopers were dispatched from Dickson.”

Two hours into the evacuation, personnel including the Ashland City Police Department, Cheatham County Emergency Management, EMS and others remained on site until inmates were escorted back into the jail.

Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove said authorities believe "something electrical" caused smoke to come out of the vents in the Cheatham County Jail, prompting officials to move at least 140 inmates to the attached courthouse Friday evening.

Kelly Fisher, USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

On Monday, Deputy State Fire Marshal Russell Schwahn, Fire Safety Specialist Timothy Stack and Allen Nicholson of the Ashland City Fire Department met with Breedlove and Hannah for a briefing on the details and the precautions that were taken as a result of the incident.

Similarly, smoke forced an evacuation of 163 inmates from the Cheatham County Jail last year on July 8.

The investigation into who is responsible remains ongoing, according to the report.

Kelly Fisher, reporter for the Ashland City Times, can be reached at KPFisher@gannett.com, 615-801-3866 or on Twitter at @KellyPFisher.